Tattoos - Allergic Reactions To Tattoo Ink

by Kelvin Ho

It is not a common occurrence for people to be allergic to tattoo ink but when such reactions occur; they are usually allergic reactions to red ink. Red ink is the only existing ink color that manufacturers of tattoo ink have not developed to be hypo-allergenic. Ink makers have succeeded in making the rest of the other colors hypo-allergenic, so if you have allergies to tattoo inks, the red ink will most likely be your only problem.

Those who tend to be allergic to particular metals usually react to the ink which is present in the skin and their skin reacts by becoming swollen or itchy. Oozing of clear sebum is also possible as well. People who have allergies should think before they get tattoos because they stand the risk of suffering from anaphylactic shock and this sort of shock can be a life threatening issue.

When people get tattoos, the chance always exists that they will develop an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink afterwards, these allergic reactions rarely occur but the thing is that they do occur. The reason for their occurrence is usually tied to the different materials which tend to make up the tattoo ink.

Unfortunately when a person gets a tattoo there is always the potential to develop an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. While allergic reactions are rare, they do happen. This is a result of the different types of materials that make up the composition of the tattoo ink.

In order to determine if the reaction you have to the tattoo is an allergic one, the signs of an allergic reaction will range from a localized redness to a rash that is somewhat eczema like in nature. Most physicians use steroids in the treatment of tattoo allergies but you should also note that just because a tattoo appears red and irritated does not necessarily mean that you are having an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink.

Tattoo allergies may also alternatively result in the formation of hives as well. Hives can be treated with medication at home without having to visit a physician. It is only in very rare circumstances that tattoo allergies evolve into something a lot more serious such as a difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and swelling in the throat area and other such problems.

You should always be on the look out for any symptoms that an allergic reaction to a tattoo has occurred anytime you have a tattoo. Stick to the basic instructions about keeping your tattoo clean and refrain from exposing it to sun after you have just gotten it. You should always remember to moisturize the area at least once daily while it is still fresh.

A lot of metals tend to be put into tattoo inks and such metals include nickel and this is the metal most people are usually allergic to. Most regular earrings tend to be made from nickel so if you feel comfortable wearing such earrings, then you might be alright with most tattoo inks. Any allergies you have to metals should be discussed with your tattoo artist beforehand so you can seek out alternative options.

Tattoo ink is usually made up of two things and these two things are pigments and carriers. Pigments are anything capable of being ground to provide color. Minerals, vegetable dyes, plastics, and metallic salts are all materials which have been used to create tattoo inks.

People who make tattoo ink are not usually bound by law to declare what is in this tattoo ink so it is really possible not to know what precise chemical compounds have been used in making such inks. You should be very cautious when getting a tattoo in order to make sure that you are not allergic to the tattoo ink.